Black Dragon Pool
A serene pond in Jade Spring Park offering views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across a white marble bridge, anchored by temples and pavilions that trace centuries of Naxi culture.
At a glance
Black Dragon Pool is a celebrated water feature within Jade Spring Park, situated north of Lijiang’s Old Town at the foot of Elephant Hill. Built in 1737 during the Qing dynasty, the pool commands vistas of Yunnan’s tallest peak, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, framed by a striking white marble bridge. The surrounding park contains multiple temples, pavilions, and cultural institutions dedicated to Naxi heritage.
History
The pool was constructed in 1737 under Qing rule, the same year the Longshen Temple was completed by local Naxi builders and named Dragon God of Jade Spring by the Qianlong Emperor. The Moon-Embracing Pavilion dates to the late Ming dynasty, though the current structure is a 1963 reconstruction following a 1950 fire. The Five-Phoenix Tower, erected during the Ming Dynasty in 1601 at the distant Fuguo Temple, was relocated to the park in 1979. For generations, the pool’s water levels fluctuated seasonally, at times disappearing entirely. In 2010, authorities designated Jade Spring Park a water conservation area, stabilizing the pool. By 2014, it remained full year-round.
What you see
The iconic white marble bridge spans the dark waters of the pool, directing the gaze northward toward Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Moon-Embracing Pavilion stands as a 1963-built structure honoring its Ming-era precedent. The threefold overlapping Five-Phoenix Tower, moved from 30 kilometres west, anchors the park’s northern boundary with its Ming-dynasty proportions. The Longshen Temple occupies the eastern side, while scattered steles and smaller pavilions punctuate the grounds.
Cultural significance
Black Dragon Pool serves as a living repository of Naxi identity. The Forest of Stele contains over 50 inscribed tablets spanning from the Tang Dynasty to the Republic of China era, representing tangible historical documentation of the region’s past. The Dongba Culture Museum and Dongba Culture Research Institute, housed within the park, preserve and study the traditions of the Naxi people. The pool itself has become iconic in representations of Lijiang, symbolizing the harmony between landscape, architecture, and cultural memory.
Key facts
- Country: China
- City: Lijiang, Yunnan Province
- Coordinates: 26.8876°N, 100.2333°E
- Built: 1737 (Qing dynasty)
- Notable feature: White marble bridge framing views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Practical information & getting there
Black Dragon Pool is a short walk north of Lijiang’s Old Town. The site is part of Jade Spring Park and remains open to visitors. Water levels are now maintained year-round following the 2010 conservation designation. Plan your visit to photograph the bridge and mountain views, especially during clear daylight hours. Visitors can explore the temples, pavilions, and cultural institutes throughout the grounds.
Sources & resources
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